Another view of the entrance to Villa Del Palmar. The hotel is set within Danzante Bay and the Sea of Cortez on the Baja California Peninsula.

All of the staff are friendly, including Luis (pictured here at restaurant Casa Mia at Villa del Palmar),

serving up a mango margarita.

Baja cuisine is all about the fish taco! Here, CSL enjoyed a selection of seafood tacos served with guacamole, cabbage slaw and pico de gallo (and of course an amazingly refreshing cucumber margarita with a hint of chile).

Every night features themed entertainment at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto, CSL's fave? Mexican night featuring traditional dances from different regions of Mexico

A view of the Presidential suite at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Island of Loreto.

Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj.

There are plenty of activities and things to do at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto, including ocean kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. We took these kayaks including some glass bottomed ones to a nearby island.

Loreto is known for the delicious chocolate clams, prized for the clean and sweet flavour. Here, a few feet from Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto fresh chocolate clams are served ceviche style.

Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Island of Loreto offers an array of excursions and cruises. CSL enjoyed several during our stay including a cruise to Coronado Island. There is plenty of birding, and we even caught a glimpse of blue footed boobies (rare birds traditionally seen only on the Galapagos Islands). See if you can spot them in this photo.

Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj.

Coronado Island is home to some great
snorkel spots, white sand beaches and a sea lion colony.

When we arrived at Coronado Island, there was barely a soul in site, and the crystal clear water was breathtaking.

A look at restaurant Casa Mia at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto (one of many dining options at the resort).

There are three restaurants at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto, including Danzante, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant with a Mexican flare serving dishes like this poached shrimp appetizer with jalapeno and cucumber salad.

Sabila Spa at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto is a beautiful and spacious spa offering tons of treatments. CSL enjoyed a teaser massage and spent a few mornings catching up on excercise at the jaw dropping gym.

A look at the flora and fauna, all around the resort.

Want to feel like you are immersed in the outdoors? The glamping tent is a cute option for outdoor enthusiasts who also want a bit of luxury.

Established in 1697, the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchóthis was the earliest successful mission in Baja California.

The malecon in Loreto is a nice place for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy the ocean view.

A look at one of the shops in downtown Loreto displaying colourful goods.

A gentleman sits outside of his shop, selling ceramics on a quiet afternoon in downtown Loreto.

We are enthralled by all of the bright colours downtown.

Relaxing by the pool at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto.

Courtesy Dr. Rookmin Maharaj.

The boardwalk to the beach at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto.

A look at sister property, Hotel Santa Fe at The Islands of Loreto located in downtown Loreto. This is a great place for families (and deep sea fishing enthusiasts) with easy walking access to shops and restaurants.

The spectacular sunset at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto, with views of the desert and cactus.

A gentleman holding a xylophone walks near the Mission in Loreto.

A look at the iconic hedged trees in downtown Loreto.

A vendor sells candies and other treats in downtown Loreto.

A perfectly framed landscape from our balcony at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto.

A vision in the desert, Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto. (A view from the soon to be completed golf course).

On the sunset wine and cheese cruise, we were fortunate to see a handful of humpback whales (sightings of grey whales and blues whales are also common in the area during the season and we caught a glimpse of these on another boat excursion), including this beauty.

City Style and Living Magazine (CSL) just back from the islands of Loreto in Mexico. With weekly flights from West Jet (not to mention a short 3.5 hour flight), escaping the winter is easy.

Located in Baja California, Loreto is a jewel. Quiet, laid back but with tons of activities, this is authentic Mexico at its best. In fact, Jacques Cousteau referred to Loreto as “The Aquarium of the World"- and with the diversity of sea life (including Blue whales, dolphins, starfish, tropical fish, sea lions and birds), this is a nature lovers paradise.

CSL stayed at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto, a beautiful 'million star' resort (referring to the ample stargazing opportunities here). Want to catch up on those long lost zzz's? Sit on your balcony or in one of the hammocks overlooking the beach and let the island breeze pass over you. Want to learn to paddleboard? The calm waters will make you stay out for hours. Want to dine of fresh seafood, and Mexican favourites? Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto has an array of restaurants that will please the pickiest eater. And the people? Friendly, helpful and courteous, CSL has made more than a few new friends.

Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa is set to open a golf course, another hotel and additional villas

in the coming years.

We say, hop on a plane and discover this tranquil retreat. Look out for more on this in the Summer 2015 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

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